News (USA)

Illinois governor says he will sign civil unions bill in early 2011

Illinois governor says he will sign civil unions bill in early 2011
Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Ill.)

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) said Friday that he will delay signing until next year the recently passed bill granting civil unions to Illinois residents.

The delay has has little effect on the bill — the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act — approved this week by the Illinois General Assembly, establishing legal protections for same-sex couples across the state.

Quinn, who has promised to sign the civil unions legislation, said Friday he expects to hold a bill-signing ceremony early in the new year. After he signs it, the law will go into effect in June.

“The passage this week of the civil unions legislation was historic. It’s a landmark law, it’s headed my way and I think it will be the law of the land of Lincoln in the coming year,” Quinn said.

The law would grant official recognition to gay couples and give them rights including inheriting property when a partner dies, the authority to make medical decisions for each other and to live together in a nursing home, in effect allowing civil unions.

The civil unions success is the latest in a quickly evolving attitude about gay rights in Illinois.

Only five years ago, lawmakers passed protections against discrimination in jobs and housing for gays and lesbians. It took decades to pass that measure. Illinois has moved toward more liberal stances on social issues since Democrats took control of state government at the start of 2003.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ hearings, Day 2 recap: Mixed reactions from the Joint Chiefs

Previous article

Surviving partner of state trooper files suit over denial of survivor benefits

Next article